Area code 773 covers the majority of the city of Chicago, excluding the downtown Loop area served by 312. Introduced in 1996 from a split with 312, it includes many of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and communities. From Wrigleyville to Hyde Park, 773 is synonymous with the heart of Chicago's cultural, residential, and artistic life. It was overlaid with area code 872, making ten-digit dialing necessary. While 312 is associated with downtown business, 773 is deeply rooted in Chicago identity and pride, appearing frequently in local music, fashion, and sports references.